Oil change question?

[Netminder]

Hey all, hope everyone who went to Spyderfest is having a great time! Just a quick question for those who do their own oil change. I usually run all my vehicles before changing oil, but do to snow still in front of my basement door and the fact I don't really want to run the Spyder inside or with oil that has been sitting for almost 5 mths. Does anyone change theirs cold? I know it is better draining when hot, but sitting that long the oil should be settled, and if I leave it drain longer? I will take it out in front of the door when the new oil is in and run it for proper checking and filling procedures. What do you all think? Thanks in advance!:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[shooter]

You could but its better to change when at operated temperature.

 

[Netminder]

You could but its better to change when at operated temperature.

Yes, I definitely know it is better and almost always do so on my other vehicles as I do all my on oil changes and general maintenance, but was just wondering if it was imperative as the manual just says "should". More wondering if running with the oil that was sitting is a good idea. I am sure either way would be ok, but was just wondering what others thought. Thanks for the reply!

 

[asp125]

As long as you top off with the correct oil level it shouldn't hurt. Your oil will be a little dirty if not all the old oil/sediment is drained, but it will still be cleaner than before, right? Your options would be to keep riding with the old oil, or having slightly dirty but newer oil.

 

[Storm56]

Certainly you can change it cold. Is it ideal? No. Would I make a regular habit of it? No. Are you ever going to see any long term effects from doing it one time? No. Just make sure it is warmed up next time! :doorag:

 

[Chupaca]

Curious..!!

Why do you have to change it now when you can't run the engine..?? I don't think it is a good idea you can but getting all the old oil and particles out cold is tough. Is the area heated..?? Jmo :thumbup:

 

[Sarge707]

The optimal time to change it was if the Fall before you put it away ( I did this to my GS which sat All winter) Then come Spring you have Nice fresh oil in the motor and are ready to go!!! Also it didn,t "Sit There All winter" with dirty oil in the engine?

 

[Netminder]

The optimal time to change it was if the Fall before you put it away ( I did this to my GS which sat All winter) Then come Spring you have Nice fresh oil in the motor and are ready to go!!! Also it didn,t "Sit There All winter" with dirty oil in the engine?

Was change not long before it was put away, so was not very dirty. Just sitting for 5 mths the oil has probably broke down some. Have always done my oil changes before riding season on all my toys. Have decided I will push it out in front of the door tomorrow a run it before changing it. I will roll it back in and change it and then push it out for correct filling procedure. Thanks all for the replies.:thumbup:

 

[Netminder]

Why do you have to change it now when you can't run the engine..?? I don't think it is a good idea you can but getting all the old oil and particles out cold is tough. Is the area heated..?? Jmo :thumbup:

Was mostly to get it ready to take out as there is still lots of snow on my lawn, so can not take it out far.just wanted it to be ready when the snow disappears, I have a small deck in front of my door, I should be able to get it out and run it before changing.Most of our club is out already as they have garages.

 

[NancysToy]

I have done it. Do what you have to do.

 

[Netminder]

I have done it. Do what you have to do.

Thanks NancysToy, I was anxiously awaiting your reply!:thumbup:

 

[rc51ny]

In my opinion, changing it cold is better than not changing it at all. Also, you said you changed it close to the hibernation season, so how bad could it be? Do what you have to do. If it was me, and I was in your situation, I'd change it cold and then change it again when it's time in the summer. I don't believe you'll do any damage to the engine at all.

 

[Netminder]

In my opinion, changing it cold is better than not changing it at all. Also, you said you changed it close to the hibernation season, so how bad could it be? Do what you have to do. If it was me, and I was in your situation, I'd change it cold and then change it again when it's time in the summer. I don't believe you'll do any damage to the engine at all.

Thanks for the reply!:thumbup:

 

[ulflyer]

Unless its been damp or condensation where its been stored, I wouldn't think of changing oil thats only been in for a short time. What little dampness MIGHT be in the oil, will dissipate after its run and got good and hot. And no, oil doesn't go bad sitting for that short time. If you feel the urge to do it, go ahead and do it cold. There isn't any sludge in that new a bike specially with such a recent oil change.

 

[SPYD1]

The optimal time to change it was if the Fall before you put it away ( I did this to my GS which sat All winter) Then come Spring you have Nice fresh oil in the motor and are ready to go!!! Also it didn,t "Sit There All winter" with dirty oil in the engine?

I agree.

 

[Bob Ledford]

Hot, warm, cold or room temp

for the sake of coming up with a workable solution another way to do it would be. If the oil is been run for twenty minutes hot and you don't take forever to pull the plug i,e, hot enough to almost burn your hand when it leaks out on you. Don't close the drain hole up for ten minutes.

If it is warm let it drain fifteen minutes then close it up. Warm enough to feel good when it drips down your arm.

If it is cold or been at room temperature for hours let it drip for no less then thirty minutes to half a day.

That should satisfy everyone when it comes down to getting as much of that old grungy oil out of the engine. When it comes right down to the nitty gritty the hotter the better. The colder the worser (how do you like that word?). This is one of those topics everyone has a view point that has some merit. I like mine hotter then hot and I will drop the drain plug every time and have to go scuba diving in old slimy dirty gritty oil ever time I do it myself.

 

[Netminder]

Well decided to push it out in front of the door, stopped right before the snowbank!:yikes: Ran it for about 10 minutes and drained it good and hot. Pushed it back out and did the filling procedure! This was my first change on the Spyder, so took a bit longer, as I let my self get accustomed to the innards of the machine!:thumbup:next one should go faster. Torqued everything to specs and then threw on the seal floorboards, and started the install of the Scorpion alarm. Only the BajaRon sway bar left! Love the boards!:clap:Thanks all for the replies!Oh and I did do a little scuba diving for a filter bolt!